By Rachael Graham, RCP, CRT, RPSGT, ACHC Corporate Surveyor

It’s natural to look at accreditation survey deficiencies as shortcomings or failures.  However, these challenges can serve as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Embracing Deficiencies

ACHC Sleep Accreditation surveys assess an organization’s compliance with established industry standards and best practices. Deficiencies identify areas that don’t meet standard requirements. Anything that does not conform to a standard, such as a policy, procedure, or practice, must be corrected to achieve accreditation.

Thankfully, survey deficiencies can also be a catalyst to enhance operations, quality of services, and overall performance — and emerge stronger and more resilient as a result.

Here are ways deficiencies support your operations:

• Deficiencies underscore the importance of accountability and transparency.
  • Acknowledging areas of weakness allows your organization to demonstrate its commitment to integrity and accountability. Approaching deficiencies with honesty and humility fosters trust and credibility across your operations.
• Deficiencies stimulate professional development and learning.
  • After being cited for noncompliance, your organization may decide to invest more in staff training, education, and skill development. Providing employees with additional knowledge and tools to excel in their roles cultivates a culture of excellence, competence, and resilience.
• Deficiencies spark innovation and foster creativity.
  • As you address deficiencies, your organization may discover new approaches, technologies, or methods to improve your operations. By promoting innovation and adaptability, your organization can turn deficiencies into opportunities for transformative change and heightened competitive advantage.

Plan Ahead

Reviewing previous survey deficiencies allows your organization to proactively address any underlying issues and implement corrective measures before your survey.

Studying the most frequently cited ACHC Sleep Accreditation Standards can also help you ensure a smooth survey process. Our annual Surveyor Quality Review takes a detailed look at common deficiencies and provides invaluable tips for compliance.

While deficiencies are initially disappointing, they ultimately serve as opportunities for improvement, growth, and innovation.